Bhimgad Project

Bhimgad region in Belgaum district, Karnataka state has been recently notified as the Wildlife Sanctuary based on the wide range of floral and faunal diversity, its sustainability and importance of being a wildlife corridor connecting Dandeli – Anashi Tiger Reserve, Molem National Park, Bhagvan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mahadayi Sanctuary. The important reason behind declaring Bhimgad sanctuary is the occurrence of critically endangered species of Bat called – Wroughton’s Free tailed Bat (Otomops Wroughtoni). Bhigmad Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Western Ghats (World Biodiversity Hot spot), is unexplored but likely hosts high diversity of bat species in India.

IBCRU team along with G.S.Science college, Belgaum, Karnataka and Mhadei Research Center, are working on Assessment of Bat (Order – Chiroptera) Diversity in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Surrounding Protected Areas of Western Ghats.